JustFluffy

I've been there and it is scary. I ended up having a bariam swallow with the x-ray (Upper GI) and found my esphagous had erroded from my band. They were not able to determine if it was the placement of the band or if it had been too tight for too long. Either way, it had to come out. My esphagous had all but stopped working. I was in pain when I ate and food would come up for no reason, no foamies, just wouldn't go down. I hope they will be able to determine where your pains are coming from with the X-Ray. Are they considering an Uper GI as well? May be a good idea...I waited several months taking antiacids and cutting back on my acidic content, even going back to liquids, before getting mine checked. Too late, too long. I wish you well and hope it is minor and something that can be repaired or treated quickly.

Opposite...Band April 2008, Bypass August 2011...due to band complications...down 75 lbs since revision and still slowly losing at a healthy rate. Gained all my weight lost (50 pounds) plus 30 pounds in two years after being banded. Regret neither surgery - banding isn't for everyone but neither is lapband. It is a personal choice and everyone is different. I wish you the best :-)

If you are struggling meeting your nutrition demands, they wouldn't be a bad idea. The B-12 injections are a supplement and nothing more. They help keep your energy up. I now HAVE to take them now. I took B12 pills when I was banded and for me there is a big difference between the injections and the pills. I actually do my own injections (with a prescription from my doctor). The prescription only costs $5 a month. I can definately tell if I'm late or don't take mine when I should...my energy and mood drop (big time). My husband says I get "hormonal" - lol

I am posting this for your information so you know my history and what can happen if reflux is left without treatment. I ended up having my band removed due to my reflux developing into GERD, which ultimately resulted in esphagous erosion. After three years (banded on 2008), my esphagous all but stopped working. I had minor reflux prior to banding and I was told by my original surgeon that the band would fix it. In the next few years I relocated and changed surgeons (lost my insurance, went through a nasty divorce; took MONTHS to find a surgeon that would take me). I ended up going for almost a year without any follow-up (although the first two years I kept every appointment and followed my doctor's instructions to the T). I started having reflux after about a year and was told at times I was "too tight" and would have Fluid removed to help treat it. Was on and off nexium as well. My year without a doctor didn't help my situation. I'm sure the stress didn't either. The upper GI test my new surgeon ran found the esophagous erosion and also that my band had eroded into my stomach. I was in constant pain, couldn't eat and could barely drink. I would wake up at night coughing uncontrollably and at times couldn't breathe (waking gasping for air). My new doctor told me that in my case the band actually aggrevated my reflux (albeit mild). My band has been removed now for a year and I opted to revise to RNY. I am writing this to let you know the worst case scenario; not to scare you. Banding isn't for everyone. I have seen so many people that have been successful. Some that have had reflux that the band all but cured (my husband is actually one of them). I loved my band for two years and thought it was the best decision I'd ever made - I was the biggest band cheerleeder in the world. Now, my advice to those who are having problems or those who are looking into surgery is that it isn't for everyone. If you are having problems, it may not be your fault...don't get discouraged and don't let ANYONE tell you that you are a failure. There is not an easy fix to this disease (and yes I call it a disease), obeisity...it is hard work. Living being banded was hard work, but so is living with bypass. For now, watch what you eat, (keep the acidic foods/drinks to a minimum), if you drink carboninated drinks - stop now! and take your medications as your doctor directs. I hope you feel better soon! I'll get off the soap box now :-)

Lisa, I have BCBS and my revision was covered due to complications I had with the band. I am not sure what Tricare's requirements are for revision, that is something though that your doctor's office should be able to help you with. You may also want to post this in the LapBand Complications/Living After LapBand Removal or Insurance section of the forum. It may get better visibility for you there. I wish you the best...

I was asking about the protein and water because I've found in that (banded or bypass) if I don't get in my water and protein in I don't lose weight, no matter what I do. I've been told we need to get in half our body weight in ounces for water. It really sounds like to me you are at a plateau. Your body is adjusting to your new regimine and eventually it will catch up. You may want to change up what you are doing as well - your muscles have "memory" and if you do the same thing every day your body gets used to it and doesn't respond as well...throw in another workout or add an incline to your walk (if you use treadmill). Change your freeweights to kettleweights (if you have that option)... I was banded for over three years (removed due to complications) and have had bypass now for a little over a year. I do know how you feel. It gets depressing when you've gone through surgery and believe you are doing everything right and the weight loss slows to a crawl. You become depressed and just don't want to put in the effort. I'm there right now myself and should take my own advice. I've been stuck between 211-215 for four months - all my own fault. I'm also comfortable where I am. My body doesn't hurt any more, I'm out of plus clothes (huge goal for me) and have honestly become lazy. Got to put on my big girl panties and deal with it...and get moving..

Were you able to get in touch with your surgeon? If you have graduated from mushies to soft foods it may have been too soon and food could be "stuck". Different surgeons progress this patients at different rates. Your band may also be too full. I know this sounds funny to those post-surgery without having a first fill. However, some surgeons put in fluid at the time of surgery. It may be too much for you. There could be other contributing factors as well, however, only your doctor can tell you for sure what is going on. If you haven't already contacted him/her, please do so immediately.

Hi Dino... Two questions...how much protein are you getting in daily? and how much water do you get in? Oh sorry - one more...how long have you struggling to get below 218?

Chatty, Good luck tomorrow! Let me know if you have any questions...I too had my band removed and revised to RNY (Bypass). For me, to no longer be in pain and to be able to keep food down again was so worth it.

Sorry, I've been in Weight Loss Surgery Lingo for too long ...RNY is Roux-en-y and involves reducting the size of your stomache and rerouting to a shorter section of the intestines, in shour gastric bypass. I wish there were an easy answer too...My advice it to find a good baratric surgeon and go to a couple seminars maybe even schedule an appointment. Then, go to another surgeon and get another opinion. Get on the boards, read all you can, and attend a local support group....don't be scared to ask questions and be ready to get your feelings hurt. The uneducated world truly can be cruel...please let me know if you have any questions as well as those on this site. It is a great place to start.

You could have an infection around your port site. I know it sounds strange but it can show up weeks and even months post op. I had to have port revision after my "first fill", they couldn't access my port. However, it wasn't due to infection, my port had flipped. However, a friend of mine had port issues that sound very similar to yours and her doctor put her on antibiotics and it healed without issue. That COULD be your issue. You could also have a leak around your port area. There are other things it could be as well. Only your doctor can know for sure. I'd call your doctor's office and voice your concerns, again, prior to your appointment. I hope it gets better soon...

Ice Chips, Popcicles, Sugar-Free Italian Ice, Ice Chips...They really do help with the "chewing urge" and will help you stay hydrated.